Gem set and diamond pendant necklace, 'Paradisea Coeur Secretus', Victoire de Castellane for Dior - Sotheby's

The pendant designed as an exotic plant with a flying insect, set with various polished and faceted gemstones including tsavorites garnets, aquamarines, pink sapphires and diamonds, opening to reveal a hidden compartment containing a heart-shaped polished ruby, suspended from a black cord with an adjustable slider similarly set, maximum length approximately 900mm, signed Dior and numbered, French assay and maker’s marks, fitted case stamped Dior. Estimate:  32,000 – 56,000 CHF

LITERATURE: Cf: Michèle Heuzé, 'Dior Joaillerie', New York , 2012, pages 138 and 139 for illustrations of this design.

Sotheby's. Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels. Genève | 14 mai 2013 - www.sothebys.com